Scottish Country Dancing

**pascs** · 3rd November 11, 09:36 AM

We had to learn SCD at school and as you say there are some basic steps which once you get the hang of make it much easier. I dont think any us were too keen at school about doing it but its been fantastically helpful ever since at weddings and other Scottish nights.

You should be able to pick up the common dances pretty quick and you never forget them

**Hamish** · 3rd November 11, 10:10 AM

Chas,

I am SO envious and commend you for having a 'go'. SCD has, until a few years ago, been a very long-term passion of mine (I am a Life Member of the RSCDS), and I miss it beyond words. Sadly, I doubt I will ever be able to dance again - not even my beloved Strathspeys - but my heart still races whenever I hear the appropriate music.

If you are anything like me, you will find that, like kilt buying, once you start you cannot stop!

The great sadness is, and I see it in your fine photos, very few youngsters take it up. Only when heavily involved with RSCDS dancing in London in the 60s and 70s did I see many dancers under the age of 30 to 40. I guess things are much the same still.

Keep with it my friend, and take a tip from one who has both the T-shirt and the baseball cap: concentrate on getting the footwork (steps) right first. It will make the dance formations so much easier to assimilate.

Take care,
Ham.

**Gryphon57** · 3rd November 11, 10:48 AM

There isn't anyone in my area teaching SCD, at least as far as I know, but one of my good friends offers a class in English Country Dancing about twice a year at the local university. Does anyone know if there are similarities? I went to the last class offered in waist coat and jacket because I thought it was to be a lecture and demonstration. He had requested I be kilted. Everyone in attendance was expected to participate and learn the basic steps. You get a lot of instruction in a one night class.

It was fun. I can't say I have much skill at ECD, but I had a good time and am expected to attend his next class in 2 weeks.